BOYFRIEND IS TOO SHY

Dear Jellybean,

I need advice on my boyfriend trouble. He's so shy and I try to start conversation but it just seems he would rather just be quiet then even try to talk to me! He comes up to groups of us girls and just seems to sit there and listen to our conversations, not even try to say ANYTHING! And im not quite sure to do cause I am a very outgoing person! I think this relationship is just really awkward and not sure if he's ever gunna losten up and just talk! Cause i don't want to get stuck on a date not talking to each other, that would be horrible, and all i can talk to him about is hockey!!! Should i just let him warm up to my outgoing ways, or let him go?
-HELP!

Dear HELP!,

You've chosen a shy guy as a boyfriend. Whether or not you can make him more outgoing, depends on why he's shy. If he's being quiet because he's nervous around you and your friends, then there's a chance that over time he will come out of his shell, once he feels more comfortable around groups of people. Then again, some people are just shy and quiet by nature, and not big talkers, so it's possible he's always going to be that way.

You sound very outgoing, so use those social skills to help your guy join the conversation! Ask for his opinion on the stuff you and your friends discuss and make every effect to include him in things. If you focus on how you can make hijm feel comfortable and included, instead of on what he can do for you, it will go way better.

As I say, even with all the effort you can give, it is possible your guy is just the silent type. You have to ask yourself what you want in a boyfriend. If he's got lots of qualities that you value, and there's a real connection between you, maybe it's not a big deal that he's not Mr. Talky around your friends. But if you crave someone who can keep up with you in conversation, and who you can have witty banter with, you might need to cut your boyfriend loose and find a guy who fits that description better.